Gotta Type Fast

Sissy is sick as can be, with a nasty cold/cough/runny nose situation. Luckily, she does not have preschool today.

I have an appointment downtown with my eye doc. I think the prescription on my left eye is a little "off" - or maybe I just need time to get used to it. I had glasses nearly 20 years ago and hated them, I only wore them for a short time, so I'm not sure what to expect.

The Evil Twin has had the progressive bifocals for years now and he tells me there is a definite learning curve to them. However, his bifocals have a more complicated prescription than mine.

But, if you live in the Charleston, WV area: Ramsey Eye Care is excellent!

Also, if you live anywhere in the US and need windows, Window World is no joke - the best around. We had 18 windows replaced in 2007. 3 of them had tiny flaws. I called and they brought out replacements, free of charge, no problems.

I must go - time for me to get ready and get out the door for yet another appointment. Yuck. I hate having to be somewhere at X time. Ruffles my delicate feathers! LOL.

Have a great Friday, hooligans! I love you all!

Love,

Insomnia

It's hump day! And that means another round of the Madhouse. Today's topic is Insomnia.

I know others who have insomnia and they are really unhappy about it. I probably would be too, if sleep was so elusive. After a while of no sleep, I get a little mean feeling, all stabbity and stuff, ya know?

But, there are some days I wish I could say, "Ok, I'm going to squeeze the hours out of this day like it's my bitch." And, then get a lot of things accomplished and NOT be stabbity.

Unfortunately, I have the opposite of insomnia - quite nearly verging on narcolepsy. It's worse during the winter/colder months, though. I can kick my feet up and close my eyes and 10 minutes later, I'm sawing logs.

I should just change my name to LumberJill (or maybe SlumberJill?).

I have always been a fan of resting and naps. I'm a night owl, so that certainly doesn't help my daytime disposition any. Being a night owl runs in my family. As I've been told by my biological mother and sister, it's just a family trait. The Evil Twin is also a night owl. Buddy is a teen and likes to stay up late (on non-school nights) and Sissy routinely gets out of bed 4 to 5 times after her bedtime to "tell" us things or "ask" us things. We know she's just stalling and is a night owl along with the rest of us.

I do feel for those who don't come by sleeping easy. But, their houses are probably cleaner than mine (just kidding - I had to add some levity, there).

Well, I'm off to the races (meaning the Mart of Wal) soon, so I'll be exhausted by 4P.

Hope you hooligans have a wonderful Wednesday!

Love,


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The other Madhouse participants. See what their take on insomnia might be:

Allison – Allimonster Speaks
Barb – Spencer Hill Spinning & Dyeing
Batty – Batty’s Adventures in Spooky Knitting
Dave – Notes from the Field
Eileen – Art Deco Diva Knits
Evil Twin’s Wife – The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau
G – Not-A-Box
Haley – Aimless Tangents
Heather – She Flies With Her Own Wings
Jennifer – Ask Poops, Please <–Please note address change!
JMLC – Daydreams and Ruminations
Kate – One More Thing
LC – LC in Sunny So Cal
LeeAnne – This is the life…
Lisa – As If You Care
Louise – Child of Grace
Marcy – Mittentime
Melanie – usually, things happen
Nikki – Land of the Free, Home of the Depressed
Peri – knitandnatter
Sara – yoyu mama

Nothingness

I've declared today to be a day of nothingness. Well, only a partial day of nothingness, really. I have to empty and reload the dishwasher, laundry to do and then tonight is when the party really starts. I have an MRI downtown at my LEAST favorite hospital at 6:30P.

Being in that tube doesn't bother me much anymore. I've done it more times than I can remember. I could probably sleep in there, although it sounds like an industrial band is playing just for me. All that clicking, clacking and banging isn't real conducive to a sleepy state.

So, I will catch up on my rest today - as time permits - and jump back into real life tomorrow.

That means grocery shopping! Having 2 teenaged boys in the house for 9 days took a toll on my stock of food stuffs. LOL. I even went shopping twice last week! And I mean real shopping, not just running in for one or two things. It's all good. The boys didn't have any disagreements. They do go to different schools, but that school break was all they had away from each other. I guess the Wii, an Xbox and a laptop were enough to keep them busy and not want to kill each other. LOL.

N's mom's flight arrived in really late last night, so she came to pick him up this morning for school. I know she is exhausted.

Welp, my new tattoo is all peeling like a sunburn (normal) and itchy (normal), so I'mma put some Aquaphor on that beyotch and keep working on my grocery list!

Have a happy Tuesday, hooligans!

Love,

Um, Yeah

I found out yesterday afternoon that the "older" children DO have school on Monday. But, it's only a half day to make up for snow days. Buddy is not particularly pleased, but what can ya do?

Sissy does not have preschool if there is a 2 hour delay or an early dismissal, so she does have the 3 day weekend, along with the Evil Twin. My life is pretty much a 7 day weekend. I routinely have to remind myself what day of the week it is.

It often causes confusion on weekends, because I'll sit up, look at the clock, and panic since I think we've overslept. Then, I remember: "Ah, it's Saturday!" then go back to sawing logs again.

I always welcome the extra few minutes of sleep. I'm not really sick anymore, but I still have the chest congestion and nagging tickly cough, and I've been burning the candle at both ends lately, so I'm always exhausted. Having MS doesn't help any - it just adds to my overall fatigue. I guess I'll rest when I'm dead (which I hope isn't any time soon!).

I picked up my new glasses yesterday. I've never worn glasses before, but the eyesight? She was a-goin'. The frames I chose are actually really cute and I do like them. It will take a week or so to get used to the difference, but it's already an improvement. The Evil Twin LOVES them. I'm not wearing them at this time because I have purple dye on my hair, so if there are any typos here, blame the fact that I CAN'T SEE! LOL.

I'll get a pic up soon.

'Til then, happy Saturday, hooligans!

Love,

And there ya have it - the new glasses. They are "wine" color. Yay!

F-F-F-Fridaaaay!

I am so happy we have the weekend looming ahead - and a 3 day weekend at that (the kids don't have school and the Evil Twin has a holiday day for work for President's Day), so I should be able to catch up on some household chores.

I have been so daggone tired lately. The weather is perking up, but it's not inspiring ME to perk up at all.

This was my last morning of driving my friend's son to his school. Then, I came back home and started reading my blogs (YOUR blogs - the ones I find most interesting!) and now, it's after 10A and I still haven't had a shower. I'm being super lazy today!

But, I do need to get to the grocery - big time. I wanted to go yesterday, but life got in the way and I never made it. Today, it is not negotiable. Sissy and I will brave the Kroger experience together.

The last time I went to the Mart, I needed cube steak and green peppers. The cube steak was grey looking and the green peppers all looked a bit shriveled and pock-marked. Really unappealing. Even the couple next to me, looking at cucumbers, were disgusted. Here's hoping the Kroger has better produce and meats. Usually, they don't, but stranger things have happened to me.

Happy Friday, hooligans - and if you have Monday off, I hope you enjoy your long weekend! :-)

Love,

Is There a Weekend in Sight?

I sure hope so, because it feels like it's been a long week already. Buddy's friend who is staying with us goes to a different school than Buddy, and there is about an hour difference in morning drop off times.

I don't mind doing the morning drop off, but it's been a few years since I've done it. Buddy is dropped off by the Evil Twin on his way to work and Sissy doesn't have preschool until 10:45A. I'm out of the early morning "drop off" routine and it's been challenging - but I embrace it because I know for the NEXT school year, Sissy will be in full day Kindergarten and I think her school starts even earlier than Buddy's.

And, as luck would have it, her elementary school is in the opposite direction of the Evil Twin's route to work. We'll have to divide and conquer next year. This week is good practice for me. :-)

I just need a few extra hours in the day OR a chance to sleep as long as I can. Sadly, neither seems forthcoming.

I'm still waiting on my eyeglasses. Due to the snow and bad weather, the shipments have been delayed. I understand that, but - and I can't believe I'm saying this - I WANT MY GLASSES! I'm tired of dealing with these readers, which don't help much.

I'm outta here, hooligans. Enjoy your Thursday and keep your fingers crossed that I don't lose my mind anytime soon. Thanks in advance!

Love,

Family Recipes

After several weeks of no inspiration, I am finally back to my old self and participating in the Madhouse project.

The topic this week is Family Recipes. My mom was an amazing Southern cook. I also have many aunts in the family who are amazing cooks. So, I've amassed a stack of awesome recipes over the years.

Some of them, I have posted on my recipe blog.

Along the way, I've tweaked and perfected my own recipes as well.

I am the queen of the crockpot. Not the best baker in the world, but I make a mean pound cake. I love the crockpot because I can prep the night before (well, most things - some things have to wait until I'm throwing it all together to be prepped) and have a delicious dinner simmering all day long!

When I make recipes from my mom or other family members, I feel closer to them. When I met the Evil Twin, he was under 200lbs (a bit skinny for my liking LOL), but then after my mom and I started with the dinners, he gained a lot! I'm proud of my beefy burrito. He is SO hot! And he loves my cooking. He loved eating at my parents' house too, but now that my parents have both passed away, I have to carry the food torch.

The Evil Twin carries on the tradition of my Dad's vegetable soup (located on the recipe site). That is good any old time, but especially good for a chilly weekend with crackers or rolls.

I hope you hooligans are having a lovely hump day! I'm just glad we are more than halfway through the week!

Love,



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I forgot to add the list of other Madhouse participants - ugh! Why do I always forget this part? Check 'em out: different takes on the same topic.

Sara – yoyu mama
JMLC – Daydreams and Ruminations
Batty – Batty’s Adventures in Spooky Knitting
Barb – Spencer Hill Spinning & Dyeing
G – Not-A-Box
Evil Twin’s Wife – The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau
Louise – Child of Grace
Allison – Allimonster Speaks
Heather – She Flies With Her Own Wings
Melanie – usually, things happen
Jennifer – Ask Poops, Please

Slowly

I am slowly getting back into my routine. Having my sister here was great fun, but all we wanted to do was chit chat all day, so not much time was spent on the computer. I'm finally catching up on all the blogs I love to read.

I'm just having to jump back in on the most current entries. So, you'll be "seeing" a lot more of me from now on. I know you love that.

So...Valentine's Day: The Evil Twin brought home a bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. Hey, big spender! You have to remember I am a box o' wine gal. Anything over $10 and has a cork is a big deal for me. What can I say? I'm a cheap date.

As I said yesterday, I had bought the kids (the 3: Buddy, Sissy and Buddy's friend who is staying with us this week) small heart boxes of Russell Stover's chocolates. And, I bought a slightly larger heart box of the Hershey's Pot of Gold chocolates for the Evil Twin and I to share. The kids were super excited. I don't think they expected it and the grown ups have been enjoying their bounty as well!

The only thing that would have been better is if I could tell everyone to flake off and get to sleep all day. Alas, that does not happen for moms, and especially not on a school day. I have to spend my day on the road....dropping off, picking up, etc.

Anyhoodle, don't think I've abandoned you, my hooligans and please don't abandon me, either. (all 7 of you). Thanks in advance! :-)

Have a great Tuesday, hooligans!

Love,

Valentine's 2011

The Evil Twin has been on me lately: "When are you going to post something new to your blog?"

When I darn well feel like it. And, when I actually have time.

My sister and I had a blast while she was here, but she left on Friday (2/11) to fly back home. We spent our time together talking and watching trashy TV shows. It was AWESOMESAUCE!

Before she left, we went to get matching tattoos. A way to bond even further. It was weird how we automatically agreed on a style and color. Once we saw "the one", we both knew it was "the one". And here it is:

It's a celtic knot symbolizing always and forever. We chose the blue for our blue eyes. This picture was taken at the shop right after it was finished, so it looks a little puffy, but I'll get a better shot when it heals up all the way. I got mine on my upper right arm and she got hers about mid-calf level on her right leg. We had the same artist do them both, so they'd be as close to identical as possible.

I'm very pleased with how it turned out. I've always wanted one on my upper arm and I love it so much, I'll probably get a crick in my neck turning to look at it! :-)

We just had such a great time together and I hope we can get together again in the near future.

As soon as my sister left, we have another houseguest. One of my closest friends, who is a single mom, is working on her education (I think post grad degree), and has to be in a different state for a week or so at a time every now and then. Her son and Buddy are also friends, so Buddy's pal is spending the week with us. So, I fixed up the guest room and voila! We have "the more the merrier" going on!

Sissy has pre-school today and they'll be exchanging Valentine's cards. There aren't many girls in her class, so I went with the puppies and kitten cards - even though I really wanted to pick the Tinkerbell ones. LOL.

I bought all 3 kids (Buddy, Sissy, and Buddy's friend) small heart boxes of chocolates and one slightly larger for the Evil Twin and I to share. I'll hook everyone up after school/work. I did NOT want to send the kids to school all hopped up on sugar first thing in the morning. (Teachers: You are very welcome. See? I do think of you!)

Have a wonderful Monday/Valentine's Day, my hooligans and I will see you tomorrow.

Love,

Another Day of Rest

I woke up with a massive sore throat this morning and the snow is pounding down on us (again!). Looks like another day at home....Oh well, it gives me a chance to catch up on some housework.

Sissy has been going on and on about wanting a Pokemon game for her DSi. She got a Target gift card from her aunt & uncle. She calls it her "credit card". Anyhoodle, she planned to use her "credit card" to get a Pokemon game.

Then, last night, her brother gifted her with a used game from his collection that he no longer plays! She was thrilled! How sweet is that? Buddy could have traded the game in to get credit for more stuff for himself, but he voluntarily gave it to Sissy.

He is such a cool kid. :-) He's growing up on me. Too fast, but it makes me proud that he is becoming a really awesome person. Even though he left his cell phone at home, charging and doesn't have it with him. Since he walks home these days, I like to know I can reach him or he can reach me after school. I sit here and worry until he walks thru the door anyway!

I know in the blink of an eye, Sissy will be a teenager, too. :::le sigh:::

Have a great Tuesday, hooligans and I'll see ya tomorrow!

Love,

The Crud

Yep, it's that time of year again - where I pick up some germs and cough and snot around for a week or so. My sister is sick, too and Sissy's not feeling well.

I think we're just going to lay low today and rest.

I talked to the Evil Twin and he said that we had been spending a lot of time at the Mart lately and reminded me that place is a petri dish.

So, we're sitting around being miserable. Which stinks, for obvious reasons, but also because I have errands to run. That'll have to wait until later in the week.

We're going to watch "You're Cut Off", a show about pampered princesses who have to complete a program designed to show the spoiled brats how the other half lives (you know, us "poor" people.) We've become addicted to it and have it on the DVR. It's like a train wreck and we just can't look away.

I'm off to share my germs with my family! Have a great Monday, hooligans.

Love,

MIA

I'm sorry I've been MIA recently. My sister and I are having so much fun, it's hard to find time to devote to anything else!

Monday, we went grocery shopping. Tuesday, I had an appointment with the eye doctor - I'm getting glasses next week. I chose a really cute pair, the color? WINE. Perfect! Then, Wednesday was Sissy's birthday. She went to preschool while Auntie and I went to Target and Game Stop for some last minute birthday shopping.

I think we have a day of not much planned, other than some housework. Sisa (that's what we're calling her now) has been a godsend! She is so helpful. We've discovered that we have SO much in common - and it's usually pretty specific, odd things in common. We like the same foods. We like to watch American Idol (and we REALLY get into it! LOL).

So, we've been having a blast. We're starting to get to the point where we can actually get in bed before midnight!

I'm around and will try to do better at getting around to all my hooligans soon.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Thursday. :-)

Love,